World Classics — Set 5

Correct Answer: A. Homer

Homer is the legendary author of 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey', the two foundational works of Greek literature. These poems describe the events of the Trojan War and the journey of Odysseus. They have influenced Western culture for over 2,500 years.

Correct Answer: C. The Prince

Machiavelli wrote 'The Prince' in the early 16th century as a guide for rulers on how to maintain power. It is famous for the idea that the 'end justifies the means'. The term 'Machiavellian' is now used to describe political cunning and pragmatism.

Correct Answer: D. William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare is often called the 'Bard of Avon' and is considered the greatest writer in the English language. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. He wrote 39 plays and 154 sonnets.

Correct Answer: C. Leo Tolstoy

Leo Tolstoy is recognized as a master of realistic fiction for his works like 'War and Peace' and 'Anna Karenina'. His writing explores the complex moral and social realities of 19th-century Russia. He later became a prominent social reformer and pacifist.

Correct Answer: D. Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Rousseau was a Swiss-born French philosopher whose ideas influenced the Enlightenment and the French Revolution. His work 'The Social Contract' argues that legitimate political authority comes from a contract agreed upon by all citizens. He also wrote 'Emile' on education.

Correct Answer: B. Karl Marx

Karl Marx was a German philosopher and economist who analyzed the relationship between labor and capital. His works, including 'The Communist Manifesto' co-authored with Engels, changed world history. His theories formed the basis of the socio-economic theory known as Marxism.

Correct Answer: B. Sun Tzu

Sun Tzu was a general and tactician whose strategies have been applied to military, business, and legal fields worldwide. The book focuses on the importance of intelligence and flexibility in conflict. It remains the most influential book on strategy in history.

Correct Answer: B. A Tale of Two Cities

Charles Dickens' 'A Tale of Two Cities' is set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution. It is famous for its opening line: 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times'. Dickens is celebrated for his vivid characters and social commentary.

Correct Answer: A. Adam Smith

Adam Smith was a Scottish economist who described the 'invisible hand' of the free market in 1776. His work established economics as a distinct scientific discipline. He argued that rational self-interest and competition can lead to economic prosperity.

Correct Answer: B. Daniel Defoe

Daniel Defoe's novel about a castaway on a desert island was based on the real-life adventures of Alexander Selkirk. It was published in 1719 and was an immediate success. The book is often cited as the starting point of realistic fiction in English.